1. “The Scarlet Ibis”
Analysis and Writing Activities

2. Who is narrating the story?

3. When does the story about Doodle take place?

4. Why does the narrator teach Doodle to walk, and why does he cry when his family congratulates him for his effort?

5. After Doodle has learned to walk, what does his brother try to teach him to prepare him for school?

6. How does Doodle respond to the scarlet ibis and to its death?

7. Explain your opinion of the narrator’s behavior at the end of the story.

8. Is the narrator somehow responsible for Doodle’s death?

9. Is the narrator’s emotion at the very end sorrow, grief, or something else?

10. By the end, whom do you pity more—the narrator or Doodle? Why?

11. Do you think the narrator makes any kind of discovery at the story’s end as he cradles his brother’s little body?

12. In the last sentence the narrator calls his brother his “fallen scarlet ibis.” In what ways could the ibis be a symbol for Doodle?

13. In your groups, create a statement of the theme of “The Scarlet Ibis.”
Remember a theme must be stated in a declarative sentence. Start by watching this video:
Steps to stating theme:
Decide what the main topics of the story are.
Decide what the protagonist learned.
Think of big life lessons.
Write down the theme.

14. Double Cheeseburger Paragraph
Some people say that they will never forget “The Scarlet Ibis.” Why might people find this story so memorable? How does the story and its symbolism appeal to the reader’s emotions?

15. Create a prewrite. 1st point Example from text How example relates
2nd point

16. Restate the prompt in an original, declarative sentence.
Create one sentence of your own that addresses all of the questions.

17. Introduce your evidence.
Write one sentence that addresses your first point and introduces it.

18. State your first point.
Write one sentence that states your first point.

19. Explain your first main point.
Write one sentence that uses evidence from the text to explain your first point.

20. Introduce your evidence.
Write one sentence that addresses your second point and introduces it.

21. State your second point.
Write one sentence that states your second point.

22. Explain your second main point.
Write one sentence that uses evidence from the text to explain your second point.

23. Write a “so what” conclusion
Write a sentence that sums up your argument by identifying why your argument is valid and important.

24. Proofread your work.
Check to make sure the following statements are true and you:
Avoided the use of “I” or “you”
Kept all verbs in the same tense
Used precise words that captured your meaning
Kept language academic and free of contractions or slang words
Avoided beginning sentences with interjections.